Facing an opioid epidemic killing four people across the state each day, the panel of parents, doctors, recovering addicts, and law enforcement endorsed a holistic approach to solving a problem that in many cases begins with prescription pain killers.

"On the prevention side, we need to be smarter prescribing, so we have fewer people becoming addicted," Stein said.

There were also stories of triumph.

The audience cheered for Jesse Bennett, a member of the panel, as he shared how he overcame a 20-year battle with heroin. Now he is a father, husband, and he's studying for a college degree.